Merry Christmas

The Iowa Football team took to the practice field on Christmas Day as the Insight Bowl is only three days away. Weather in Tempe was sunny as temperatures reached the middle 70s, a distinct difference from what their friends in Iowa City were experiencing.

After practice children of the coaches and support staff were waiting for the team to arrive to provide Christmas tidings. For some of the team this was their first time away from home for the holidays.

Back to Practice

 On Thursday the Iowa Football team enjoyed an afternoon off from the daily practice preparation for the 2010 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona. All enjoyed the day in different ways. Some attended the Heat - Suns NBA game featuring LeBron James and Dwayne Wade from Miami. Others took advantage of visiting the local sights. Among them, and close to the Hawkeye hotel is Rawhide, a western-themed town out of the early 1900s.

But the next day brought the normal game-week preparations as the Hawkeyes faced their "Tuesday" workout.

Members of the media were allowed into Corona del Sol's practice facility to get footage, pictures, as well as interviews. This will be the last opportunity for the media to sit in on Iowa's preparation for the Missouri Tigers on the 28th.

Player Hospitality

As with all of the bowl games, the Insight  provides entertainment for the players in and out of the hotel. Being secluded on an Indian reservation, the bowl has many shuttle vans lined up ready to take the Hawkeye Football players anywhere around the greater Tempe area. Malls have been popular destinations as well as local restaurants and entertainment complexes. But within the hotel the Player Hospitality room has been a popular destination.

Volunteers of the Insight Bowl are staffed throughout the time the Hawkeyes are at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass. Games, computers and snacks are plentiful as many of these volunteers participate with the team.

 Whether it is "pop-a-shot," various PS3 games or board games, the players have stayed up to curfew competing with one another. Above freshman, James Morris strategically makes his move in Connect 4....

...and Junior Tyler Sash flexes for the camera as he waiting his turn in a friendly game of billiards. The Insight Bowl then provides the team an approved snack before heading to bed for the night.

Off to Practice

Clouds began to clear and the Iowa Football conducted their second practice at Corona del Sol High School in preparation for the 2010 Insight Bowl vs Missouri.

Night Out on the Town

For years Arizona has been a popular destination for transplanted Iowans. Hardly a day has gone by while we have been in Tempe preparing for the 2010 Insight Bowl have we not met someone who is either from Iowa, or has a connection to the Hawkeye State. Last night we decided to head out to the restaurant that hosts the Phoenix Iowa Club and Valley of the Sun I-Club's football watch parties, the Sandbar Mexican Grill.

The Sandbar is perfect to watch the Hawkeyes. Televisions are lined up inside offering a great view whether you are seated at a booth, table or bar stool. And with two bars, one large inside as well as outside, the wait staff will keep you drinks filled as the locals cheer on their favorite Hawkeyes.

The food isn't typical bar food, either. It is a Mexican grill with many favorites of the area as well as a their take to make a few better. Two types of fish tacos were available and I took the one more original. The Ahi tacos were placed in jacima tortilla shells topped with guacamole, and were delicious. After trying those I am eager to try the mainstream Baja Tacos and see how they compare.

Four locations in the greater Phoenix area, the Scottsdale and Chandler locations may attract the most Hawkeye fans, but all four offer drink and food specials during the Hawkeye games. As our waiter informed us (a former resident of Ames and Iowa State grad) there are special drink specials planned while the Hawkeyes are in town.

Iowa's First Arizona Practice

Under overcast skies and an occasional sprinkle of rain, the Iowa Hawkeyes began their Arizona preparation for the 2010 Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. The Hawkeyes are practicing at Corona del Sol High School a few miles down the road from the home of the Insight Bowl.

Insight Bowl Welcome

Upon arriving at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, the Iowa Football team came together for an introductory meeting presented by the Insight Bowl staff. Along with the introductions of the Insight Bowl staff and welcome by President of the Fiesta Bowl organization, John Junker, the team listened to an orientation of the greater Tempe area. Presentations included a local law enforcement official who gave team members tips on what to do and where to be safe.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry